It could be days or weeks before Mississippians know the results of a bitter and expensive Republican Senate primary between six-term incumbent Thad Cochran and a tea party-backed challenger, state Sen. Chris McDaniel.

Cochran, who is in his sixth term, was in a close, back-and-forth battle Tuesday with challenger McDaniel.

"This is a historic moment in this state's history. And because of your hard work, because of your dedication, we sit here tonight leading a 42-year incumbent," McDaniel said. "But our fight is not over. Remember it is about the people. It's always been about the people. There are still a handful of people out there who haven't been counted. We'll probably know (Wednesday), but one way or the other, I promise you this, whether it's tomorrow, or whether it's three weeks from tonight, we will stand victorious in this race."

Friedeman said the votes received by the third candidate in the race, Thomas Carey, may help to force a runoff election between Cochran and McDaniel on June 24. To win outright, a candidate must get at least 50 percent plus one vote. An unknown number of absentee and provision ballots remain to be counted.

The race gained national attention as conservative candidate McDaniel gained ground against Cochran. McDaniel, 41, was supported by the tea party, along with Sarah Palin and Rick Santorum. Big-name Mississippi politicians former Gov. Haley Barbour and former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott backed Cochran. The 76-year-old is the second oldest Senate incumbent running for re-election this year, according to CNN.

Over the past few months, Mississippi residents were forced to endure a barrage of negative ads, most of which were produced by outside political groups. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said Monday that he feared the attack ads would lead to low voter turnout for Tuesday's primary election. While that's yet to be seen, some voters told 16 WAPT News that they were turned off by the commercials.

Forty years ago, one of the greatest boxing matches in history took place in an unlikely setting: the capital of the Philippines. Muhammad Ali's epic win over great rival Joe Frazier in 1975 became known as the "Thrilla in Manila."